Square battery cell module structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of lithium batteries, and discloses a square battery cell module structure which comprises a module protection plate which is of a box body structure with an opening in the top and is used for placing a plurality of square battery cells which are transversely stacked into a group, and an insulating elastic film is arranged between every two adjacent square battery cells; the module protection plate clamps and fixes the square battery cells in groups through pre-tightening force preset by an external device, and the insulating elastic film is in a pre-tightening state and expands in the stacking direction of the square battery cells; the module U-shaped pressing strip is connected with the module protection plate and used for limiting and fixing the square battery cells in the module protection plate, and the inner side of the module U-shaped pressing strip is provided with a collection line electrically connected with the square battery cells; and the insulation fixing plate is fixedly connected with the module U-shaped pressing strip and used for separating the square battery cell from the protection plate, and the collection wire penetrates through the through hole of the insulation fixing plate and is electrically connected with the protection plate. According to the utility model, the requirement of certain pre-tightening force required by grouping of the square lithium battery cells can be met, and the production assembly and the later maintenance are convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of lithium battery technology, specifically relating to a square cell module structure. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries, as a core technology in the current energy storage field, play a crucial role in new energy vehicles, energy storage power stations, and portable electronic devices. However, existing prismatic lithium-ion battery pack technologies have significant limitations.

[0003] Currently, conventional square lithium battery packs use simple epoxy boards, plus fiberglass straps and plastic steel straps for binding, or foam filling. This makes it difficult to ensure the consistency of the battery packs, and the production process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It also cannot meet the requirement of a certain pre-tightening force for square lithium battery packs, and safety is also difficult to guarantee. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a square battery cell module structure, which is fixed by pressing together with a module guard plate on the outside of the square battery cell module, and with the help of insulating elastic films placed between adjacent square battery cells, the square battery cell module can continuously maintain a certain preload.

[0005] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following aspects:

[0006] This utility model provides a square battery cell module structure, including:

[0007] The module guard plate has a box structure with an open top, which is used to place several square battery cells stacked horizontally. An insulating elastic film is provided between adjacent square battery cells. The module guard plate clamps and fixes the square battery cells in a group by a preset pre-tightening force through an external device. The insulating elastic film expands along the stacking direction of the square battery cells while in a pre-tightened state.

[0008] A U-shaped pressure strip, connected to the module protective plate, is used to limit and fix the square battery cell inside the module protective plate. The inner side of the U-shaped pressure strip is provided with a data acquisition line electrically connected to the square battery cell; and

[0009] An insulating fixing plate is fixedly connected to the module U-shaped pressure strip and is used to separate the square battery cell and the protection plate. The acquisition line passes through the through hole of the insulating fixing plate and is electrically connected to the protection plate.

[0010] In some implementations, the module guard plate includes two module end plates and a module U-shaped side plate. The module end plates are provided with vertically outward folded edge structures on all four sides. The folded edge structures on both sides of the module end plates are adapted to the two ends of the module U-shaped side plates for fixing the module end plates.

[0011] In some implementations, the folded edge structure of the module end plate is provided with a waist-shaped hole for adjusting the relative position of the module end plate and the module U-shaped side plate.

[0012] In some implementations, insulating sheets are provided between the module end plate and the module U-shaped side plate and the square battery cell.

[0013] In some implementations, a heating film is provided between the bottom of the square battery cell and the U-shaped side plate of the module, and the end plate of the module is provided with the outlet of the heating film.

[0014] In some implementations, the two ends of the module U-shaped pressure strip are respectively connected to the two module end plates. The module U-shaped pressure strip is provided with a plurality of connectors symmetrically distributed along the length direction. The connectors connect the two sides of the module U-shaped pressure strip, and the module U-shaped pressure strip is connected to the insulating fixing plate through the connectors.

[0015] In some implementations, the top of both sides of the module U-shaped side plate is provided with positioning plates with an arc-shaped longitudinal section. The module U-shaped side plate is connected to the insulating fixing plate through the positioning plates. The top surface of the positioning plates and the top surface of the connector are located on the same horizontal plane.

[0016] In some implementations, an insulating sheet is provided on the outside of the module U-shaped pressure strip.

[0017] In some implementations, a shock-absorbing insulating pad is provided between the module U-shaped pressure strip and the square battery cell.

[0018] In some implementations, the module U-shaped pressure strip has several limiting holes on both sides, the limiting holes are spaced apart, and the module U-shaped pressure strip has a notch near the edge of the limiting hole, which is used to fix the acquisition line in conjunction with the limiting hole.

[0019] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0020] This utility model provides a square battery cell module structure. Several square battery cells are stacked and placed on a module guard plate. An external extrusion device is used for extrusion testing, which clamps the square battery cells and fixes the module guard plate in shape. Insulating elastic films are placed between adjacent square battery cells. The expansion of the insulating elastic films provides a continuous preload to the square battery cell module, ensuring that the assembled square battery cells meet the specified preload requirements and guaranteeing the consistency of the assembled square battery cell modules. Furthermore, since adjacent square battery cells are separated by insulating elastic films, an insulating fixing plate separates the square battery cells from the protective plate, and a module U-shaped pressure strip is used to protect and fix the acquisition lines for cable management during production, the safety of the square battery cell module is ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the square battery cell module structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the square battery cell module structure in embodiments 2 and 3 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 Examples 2 and 3 of this utility model Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram of section A.

[0024] Marked in the image:

[0025] 1. Module protective plate; 11. Module U-shaped side plate; 111. Positioning plate; 12. Module end plate; 121. Folded edge structure; 122. Cable outlet; 2. Module U-shaped pressure strip; 21. Connector; 22. Pressure strip insulating sheet; 23. Shock-absorbing insulating pad; 24. Limiting hole; 25. Notch; 3. Insulating fixing plate; 4. Square battery cell; 41. Insulating sheet; 42. Heating film; 5. Protection plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] Please see Figure 1 The present invention discloses a square battery cell module structure, comprising a module guard plate 1, which is a box structure with an open top, for placing a number of square battery cells 4 stacked horizontally. An insulating elastic film is provided between adjacent square battery cells 4. The module guard plate 1 clamps and fixes the square battery cells 4 in a group by a preset pre-tightening force through an external device. The insulating elastic film expands along the stacking direction of the square battery cells 4 while in a pre-tightened state. A module U-shaped pressure strip 2 is connected to the module guard plate 1 and is used to limit and fix the square battery cells 4 inside the module guard plate 1. A data acquisition line electrically connected to the square battery cells 4 is provided on the inner side of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2. An insulating fixing plate 3 is fixedly connected to the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 and is used to separate the square battery cells 4 and the protection plate 5. The data acquisition line passes through the through hole of the insulating fixing plate 3 and is electrically connected to the protection plate 5.

[0030] Specifically, the square battery cell module structure includes a module guard plate 1, a module U-shaped pressure strip 2, an insulating fixing plate 3, and square battery cells 4 for assembly. The module guard plate 1 is a box structure with an open top, which is used to place several square battery cells 4 stacked horizontally. The module guard plate 1 and the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 can be made of sheet metal, but are not limited to sheet metal. The module guard plate 1 has a groove-shaped design to facilitate the stacking of square battery cells 4. No additional auxiliary tooling or fixtures are required during production. Operators only need to stack the assembled square battery cells 4 in an orderly manner, simplifying the production process. An insulating elastic sheet is placed between adjacent square battery cells 4. This insulating elastic sheet has both elasticity and insulation properties. When the module guard plate 1 is compressed by an external device, the insulating elastic sheet is in a taut state under external pressure and can expand along the stacking direction of the square battery cells 4, thereby tightly filling the gaps between the square battery cells 4. The module guard plate 1 is then fixed so that the square battery cells 4 can maintain a pre-tightening force when assembled.

[0031] The module U-shaped pressure strip 2 is fixedly connected to the module guard plate 1. An opening is provided at the top of the module guard plate 1 to limit and fix the square battery cells 4 inside, preventing them from shifting during assembly. Simultaneously, a data acquisition line electrically connected to each square battery cell 4 is placed inside the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, facilitating later assembly and maintenance. The square battery cells 4 are electrically connected to the protection plate 5 via the data acquisition line. An insulating fixing plate 3 is installed at the top of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2. The insulating fixing plate 3 also connects the module guard plate 1 and the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, fixing them together so that the opening of the module guard plate 1 is covered by the insulating fixing plate 3, separating the square battery cells 4 and the protection plate 5 to prevent direct contact and short circuits. The data acquisition line passes through a pre-set through hole on the insulating fixing plate 3, achieving electrical connection with the protection plate 5.

[0032] It is worth noting that when designing the prismatic cell 4 module, the compression ratio was determined experimentally based on the required preload force of the selected prismatic cell 4 and the fixing hardness value of the insulating elastic sheet, thereby designing the fixing dimensions of the module guard plate 1. The insulating elastic sheet can be replaced with a fire-retardant insulating pad. The prismatic cell module structure can also fine-tune the preload force by increasing or decreasing the thickness of the insulating elastic sheet, or by changing the number of insulating elastic sheets placed between the prismatic cells 4.

[0033] In addition, during production, square battery cell modules can be grouped using extrusion equipment equipped with pre-tightening force and extrusion stroke setting functions. During the extrusion of square battery cell 4, if the pressure exceeds or falls below the preset range, the extrusion equipment will trigger an alarm mechanism in real time. At this time, the pressure can be precisely matched to the preset value by increasing or decreasing the number of insulating elastic sheets, thereby ensuring the consistency of the modules after grouping. This significantly improves the service life of square battery cell 4 groups and the safety of use.

[0034] In this embodiment, the prismatic cell module structure applies pressure to the module guard plate 1 through an external extrusion device, and the expansion of the insulating elastic film between the internal prismatic cells 4 provides pre-tightening force. This provides a stable and reliable pre-tightening force for the assembly of the prismatic lithium battery cells. The pre-tightening force is then controlled according to the compression ratio requirements, and the thickness or number of insulating elastic films is changed to fine-tune the pre-tightening force of the prismatic cell 4 assembly. Simultaneously, the pressure on the prismatic cell 4 assembly is monitored through the external extrusion device to ensure the consistency of the prismatic cell 4 assembly process. Furthermore, the prismatic cells 4 are separated from other external components by insulating materials, ensuring the safety of the prismatic cell 4 assembly.

[0035] Example 2:

[0036] This embodiment is a further structural optimization of the square cell module structure of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the module guard plate 1 includes two module end plates 12 and a module U-shaped side plate 11. The module end plates 12 are provided with vertically outward folded edge structures 121 on all four sides. The folded edge structures 121 on both sides of the module end plates 12 are adapted to the two ends of the module U-shaped side plates 11 for fixing the module end plates 12.

[0038] Specifically, to facilitate production and assembly, the module guard plate 1 is divided into two parts. The split structure facilitates mold opening and assembly, and the split structure allows for differentiated material selection based on the stress differences between the module end plate 12 and the module U-shaped side plate 11, thus reducing production costs. If a square battery cell 4 inside the module is damaged, the module end plate 12 and the module U-shaped side plate 11 can be disassembled separately, the faulty square battery cell 4 can be replaced, and then the module can be reassembled, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0039] Furthermore, after the extrusion assembly process of the module end plate 12 and the U-shaped side plate is completed, the two are fastened together using rivets. This fastening method can control the insertion depth and preload of the rivets, ensuring consistency at each connection point and avoiding torque deviations caused by manual operation. This connection method is highly compatible with automated production lines, enabling rapid and precise assembly and fixing of modules in large-scale production scenarios, effectively reducing the frequency and intensity of manual operations. The module end plate 12, after being fixed with rivets, has a stable structure and excellent vibration and impact resistance, enabling long-term reliable operation under complex working conditions and ensuring the stable operation of the square battery cell module.

[0040] In some embodiments, the folded edge structure 121 of the module end plate 12 is provided with a waist-shaped hole for adjusting the relative position of the module end plate 12 and the module U-shaped side plate 11.

[0041] Specifically, the waist-shaped hole provided on the folded edge structure 121 of the module end plate 12 can improve the assembly flexibility of the square battery cell module, avoid minor tolerances in the size of the square battery cells 4 in the same batch during the production process, and can fine-tune the relative position of the module end plate 12 to ensure that the module end plate 12 and the square battery cell 4 are tightly fitted together.

[0042] In some embodiments, an insulating sheet 41 is provided between the module end plate 12 and the module U-shaped side plate 11 and the square battery cell 4.

[0043] Specifically, to ensure the stability of the square battery cell 4, an insulating sheet 41 is provided on the outside of the group of square battery cells 4 to isolate the module end plate 12 and the module U-shaped side plate 11. Under the action of pre-tightening force, it can provide additional buffer protection for the square battery cell 4, reduce the wear caused by extrusion on the surface of the square battery cell 4, and improve the safety and service life of the square battery cell module.

[0044] In some embodiments, a heating film 42 is provided between the bottom of the square battery cell 4 and the U-shaped side plate 11 of the module, and the module end plate 12 is provided with an outlet 122 of the heating film 42.

[0045] Specifically, a heating film 42 is set at the bottom of the square battery cell 4, and outlet ports 122 of the heating film 42 are reserved at corresponding positions at the bottom of the module end plates 12 on both sides. The heating film 42 can effectively solve the problem of decreased charging and discharging performance or capacity decay of the square battery cell module in low temperature environment, and broaden the application temperature range. The outlet ports 122 reserved on the module end plates 12 facilitate the sharing of components between the heated and non-heated versions, reducing the cost of repeated mold design. In the non-heated version, the heating film 42 is replaced with an insulating pad.

[0046] In this embodiment, the module guard plate 1 adopts a split structure. The square battery cell 4 is fastened by the cooperation of the module end plate 12 and the module U-shaped side plate 11, which facilitates later maintenance and repair. Insulating sheets 41 are provided on the inner side of both the module end plate 12 and the module U-shaped side plate 11 to insulate and protect the square battery cell 4 and also play a certain buffering role. In addition, a heating film 42 is provided at the bottom of the square battery cell 4 to enable the square battery cell module to operate stably in low temperature environment.

[0047] Example 3:

[0048] This embodiment is a further structural optimization of the square cell module structure of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0049] In some embodiments, the two ends of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 are respectively connected to two module end plates 12. The module U-shaped pressure strip 2 is provided with a plurality of connectors 21 symmetrically distributed along the length direction. The connectors 21 connect the two sides of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, and the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 is connected to the insulating fixing plate 3 through the connectors 21.

[0050] Specifically, the end of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 is fixed to the module end plate 12, and the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 is provided with multiple connectors 21. These connectors 21 connect to the two side plates of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, and a mounting hole is provided in the middle of the connector 21. The insulating fixing plate 3 is connected and fixed to the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 through the mounting hole. The multiple connectors 21 are symmetrically distributed along the length of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, which can ensure uniform force when fixing the insulating fixing plate 3 and enhance the stability of the overall structure.

[0051] In some embodiments, the top of both sides of the module U-shaped side plate 11 is provided with positioning plates 111 with an arc-shaped longitudinal section. The module U-shaped side plate 11 is connected to the insulating fixing plate 3 through the positioning plates 111. The top surface of the positioning plates 111 and the top surface of the connector 21 are located on the same horizontal plane.

[0052] Specifically, positioning plates 111 with an arc-shaped longitudinal section are provided on the top of both sides of the module U-shaped side plate 11. The arc-shaped structure can increase the strength of the positioning plate 111 itself and increase the connection area, thereby improving the overall stability of the module. The positioning plates 111 are designed to fit the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, so that the insulating fixing plate 3 remains flat after installation, avoiding local deformation caused by height difference.

[0053] In some embodiments, a layer of insulating sheet 22 is provided on the outside of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, and a shock-absorbing insulating pad 23 is provided between the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 and the square battery cell 4.

[0054] Specifically, the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 has a pressure strip insulating sheet 22 on the side near the square battery cell 4. The pressure strip insulating sheet 22 is adapted to the shape of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2, which can prevent the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 from contacting external metal parts and causing a short circuit. During the transportation and installation of the square battery cell module, it can also buffer the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 from collisions with other objects.

[0055] Furthermore, a shock-absorbing insulating pad 23 is set between the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 and the square battery cell 4 to effectively reduce the impact of vibration on the square battery cell 4 and also to effectively prevent leakage between the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 and the square battery cell 4.

[0056] In some embodiments, the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 has a plurality of limiting holes 24 on both sides, the limiting holes 24 are spaced apart, and the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 has a notch 25 near the edge of the limiting hole 24, which is used to fix the acquisition line in conjunction with the limiting hole 24.

[0057] Specifically, the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 has multiple U-shaped notches 25 and corresponding limiting holes 24 along both side plates, which facilitates the installation and fixing of the square battery cell 4 acquisition line. The acquisition line can be fixed by inserting cable ties between the limiting holes 24 and the U-shaped notches 25. This fixing method can effectively prevent the acquisition line from shifting or loosening due to vibration during module operation, ensuring a stable and reliable electrical connection between the acquisition line and the square battery cell 4. Moreover, the cable ties can be hidden under the top plane of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 through the U-shaped notches 25, thereby ensuring the flatness of the insulating fixing plate 3 during installation.

[0058] In this embodiment, the insulating fixing plate 3 is installed and fixed by the connector 21 of the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 and the positioning plate 111 of the module U-shaped side plate 11, which improves the structural stability of the insulating fixing plate 3. In addition, the module U-shaped pressure strip 2 is provided with a pressure strip insulating sheet 22 and a shock-absorbing insulating pad 23 on the side that contacts the square battery cell 4, which can improve the safety of the square battery cell 4.

[0059] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0061] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0062] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0063] Although the description of this utility model has been given in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made based on the above description. Therefore, all such substitutions, modifications, and variations are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A prismatic cell module structure, characterized by, include: The module guard plate has a box structure with an open top, which is used to place several square battery cells stacked horizontally. An insulating elastic film is provided between adjacent square battery cells. The module guard plate clamps and fixes the square battery cells in a group by a preset pre-tightening force through an external device. The insulating elastic film expands along the stacking direction of the square battery cells while in a pre-tightened state. A U-shaped pressure strip, connected to the module protective plate, is used to limit and fix the square battery cell inside the module protective plate. The inner side of the U-shaped pressure strip is provided with a data acquisition line electrically connected to the square battery cell; and An insulating fixing plate is fixedly connected to the module U-shaped pressure strip and is used to separate the square battery cell and the protection plate. The acquisition line passes through the through hole of the insulating fixing plate and is electrically connected to the protection plate.

2. The square cell module structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module guard plate includes two module end plates and a module U-shaped side plate. The module end plates are provided with vertically outward folded edge structures on all four sides. The folded edge structures on both sides of the module end plates are adapted to the two ends of the module U-shaped side plates for fixing the module end plates.

3. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 2, wherein, The module end plate has a waist-shaped hole on its folded edge structure for adjusting the relative position of the module end plate and the module U-shaped side plate.

4. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 3, wherein, Insulating sheets are provided between the module end plate and the module U-shaped side plate and the square battery cell.

5. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 4, wherein, A heating film is provided between the bottom of the square battery cell and the U-shaped side plate of the module, and the end plate of the module is provided with the outlet of the heating film.

6. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 2, wherein The two ends of the module U-shaped pressure strip are respectively connected to the two module end plates. The module U-shaped pressure strip is provided with multiple connectors symmetrically distributed along the length direction. The connectors connect the two sides of the module U-shaped pressure strip. The module U-shaped pressure strip is connected to the insulating fixing plate through the connectors.

7. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 6, wherein, The module's U-shaped side plate has positioning plates with an arc-shaped longitudinal section on both sides at the top. The module's U-shaped side plate is connected to the insulating fixing plate through the positioning plates. The top surface of the positioning plates and the top surface of the connector are on the same horizontal plane.

8. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 1, wherein, The outer side of the module's U-shaped pressure strip is provided with a pressure strip insulation sheet.

9. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 8, wherein, A shock-absorbing and insulating pad is provided between the module's U-shaped pressure strip and the square battery cell.

10. The prismatic cell module structure of claim 9, wherein, The module U-shaped pressure strip has several limiting holes on both sides, which are spaced apart. The module U-shaped pressure strip has a notch near the edge of the limiting hole, which is used to fix the acquisition line in conjunction with the limiting hole.

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